The royal families of Chhattisgarh have influenced voting in the region since the time it was part of Madhya Pradesh. Interestingly, the entry into politics of several former princes occurred while taking up the cause of the tribal communities soon after independence. At present there are approximately 13 royal families in Chhattisgarh, out of which eight have been or are still actively involved in politics. While the royal families of Jashpur and Surguja have through the years, continued to make their active presence felt in politics, others like Kanker and Sarangarh that had once produced several leaders, have now distanced themselves from politics.